ARTICLE
4 May 2023

Applying for an AVO in NSW: What is the process?

JF
Justice Family Lawyers

Contributor

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An AVO can be made by private application or by police-assisted application to the local court.
Australia Criminal Law

Applying for an AVO in NSW - What is the process: A comprehensive guide

In applying for an AVO in NSW what is the process? You can apply for an AVO in two ways:

  1. Self-applications or Private Applications
    Private applications can be made through your local court. To obtain an AVO, you must attend Court and explain your situation.
  2. Police-assisted Applications
    The police will determine which AVO is most appropriate for your circumstances if you request it through them. Police will inform you when you must appear in court regarding the Order. The police prosecutor will represent you in court.

Applying for an AVO in NSW - What is the Process if you opt for a police-assisted one?

Step 1: Make a Statement

Applying for an AVO in NSW what is the process for a police application? It is important to provide as much information as possible.

In addition to the full name of the person you want protection from, you will need the defendant's address, date of birth, and relationship with the defendant.

Also, they will inquire about violent incidents involving the defendant.

The police can then use this information to strengthen the application for an AVO by looking for abusive behavior patterns.

Step 2: Sign the Statement

Once you have provided your statement, you must sign it, and then you will receive a copy from the police.

Step 3: Service

After that, police officers must serve the defendant with the application. This will inform them of the court date and other matters regarding the AVO application filed against them.

Step 4: Court Appearance

You and the defendant must appear in court on the specified date and time. It will be up to the court to decide whether an AVO should be granted based on the evidence presented.

Step 5: Wait for the Verdict

If the court issues an AVO, it will specify what the defendant must do, such as not contacting you or your family members.

Applying for an AVO In NSW What Is the Process If You Opt For A Private One?

Applying for an AVO in NSW - What is the process for private applications?

Private Apprehended Violence Orders, or AVOs, vary according to the jurisdiction where you live.

Private applications for an AVO are generally filed by people who fear for their safety or someone else's safety and want a court order protecting them.

The process can be summarized as follows:

  1. Provide evidence: You must provide evidence to support your application for an AVO, such as photographs, medical records, witness statements, or any other relevant documentation.
  2. Fill out the necessary forms: To apply for an AVO privately, you must complete the appropriate forms online.
  3. Court Application: You must file the application with the local court once all the forms have been completed and the supporting evidence has been submitted.
  4. Attend the Hearing: If your application is accepted, you will need to attend a hearing to provide evidence and testimony.
  5. Wait for the Decision: The court will decide whether to grant the AVO after considering the evidence.

Please note that the process for making a private application for an AVO varies by jurisdiction, so you should seek legal advice regarding the specific process in your area.

Applying for an AVO in NSW - What is the process, and can I respond to defend myself against an AVO?

Yes, you can respond to defend yourself against an AVO. If you believe you are a victim of an unfair AVO application, you can do any of the following:

Request an adjournment

You can ask the Court to adjourn your case if you haven't spoken with a lawyer before your court date.

You can accomplish this by:

  • Send a letter to the Court
  • If you want more time, ask for it.

The Court usually grants an adjournment if it is the first time a party has requested one. If you consent to the Apprehended Violence Order (AVO), you must tell the court the next time you go to court.

Request that the case be transferred to another court

Apprehended Violence Orders (AVOs) that order you to appear in a court far away from home or that are difficult for you to reach can be moved to another NSW court if you request it.

You can accomplish this by:

  • Send a letter to the Court before the mention takes place
  • Request a change of venue at the time of mention.

Before the mention, you must write to the Court. It will notify you of its decision. Unless you receive a response before the mention, you should contact the Court.

Because each state and territory has its own AVO laws, you can't transfer your case to a different court.

Make an appointment for mediation.

A court must refer your case for mediation if it involves an Apprehended Personal Violence Order (APVO) application. If this happens, your case will be adjourned.

You must explain your case to the mediator and the protected person during the mediation.

Making an agreement with the protected person enforceable in court is possible.

Accept the Apprehended Violence Order without admission.

Consenting to an Apprehended Violence Order (AVO) without admitting guilt is possible. In other words, you consent to have an AVO filed against you, but you are not admitting wrongdoing.

The Court can issue an AVO without deciding whether the applicant fears you or whether the facts in the application are true.

An AVO will be issued immediately if you consent without admission.

You will avoid the cost, time, and stress of a hearing.

You must understand all of the orders that will be included in the AVO before you consent to an AVO being made against you.

Cross Application

You may want to cross-applicate if you have already been served with an Apprehended Violence Order (AVO) but you also fear the protected person.

You should expect the Court to treat your application as if it were a normal AVO request.

Object to the application

You can request a hearing if you disagree with the Apprehended Violence Order (AVO) being made against you.

You won't be able to tell your side of the story until the hearing.

The Court may take the following actions if you oppose the application:

  • Direct you and the applicant to exchange written statements
  • To ensure all statements have been filed, set a date for further mention.

The Court may also order you to receive evidence briefs if you have been charged with a crime.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.

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